Monthly Archives: September 2015

i was excited for about three minutes when a client told me that alima pure is now selling a pressed powder foundation formula. i checked their website right away to investigate. thankfully the company discloses what ingredients they put in their products, so checking them for comedonecity was a breeze. alas, and to my disappointment, in the pressed formula they have included a handful of oils known to be cloggy. the ingredients list shows that it contains tocopherol, squalane, evening primrose oil, and argan oil-all cloggy! they have also included perfume, and the contents of which aren’t disclosed so that may be cloggy too. occasionally a product will seem cloggy but it’s not, but i wouldn’t quite hold my breath for this one, given all the different oils. i love this brand and this is total bummer but at least they have kept the original formulas for their loose powders so they are still 100% acne-safe. if we give the pressed formula a test run there may be an update soon!

i have had a ton of clients asking about acne safe hair styling products lately so decided to write a quick post about what we’ve found so far. i found a couple of promising brands via an article written by teen vogue on acne safe hair products. you can check out the article here.

the tricky thing about hair products is that even when they contain safe ingredients, they are more likely to be cloggy because of their intended use. these products are designed to stay in your hair through sweat, humidity, working, twerking, etcetera. while it’s great that a product can withstand all of this it can also be making it travel from your hair on to your face and body, causing breakouts.

whether you are using an sS approved product or experimenting with something that looks safe, here are a few helpful tips to prevent hair induced breakouts.

make sure to change your pillowcases! use one side of the pillow, flip it the next day to use a clean side, then switch your case and repeat.

cleanse + tone into your hairline and behind your ears! these are often neglected parts of the face that only get washed when we shampoo. use your facial cleanser and toner to prevent buildup and make sure you are rinsing shampoo, conditioner, and facial cleanser thoroughly from these areas.

never touch your face after touching your hair! when i’m getting ready for the day i do my hair, then wash my hands using acne safe soap and THEN do my makeup etcetera. be mindful of this throughout the day as well.

having your hair tied back off of your face and using no product is your best bet. this list should be used as a reference for what products to use if you must for a hot date or a wedding.on the day to day we prefer that you aren’t using styling products at all. (or at least until you are completely clear, then can introduce a hair product (or other variable, one at a time for at least a month) to isolate any new breakouts to it).

manufacturers often times will change ingredient lists without announcing it so make sure to check the ingredients each time you refill. tip: a change in formulation is often accompanied by packaging changes!

tried and tested acne safe shampoo & conditioner: these products have gone through our testing products and received the sS stamp of approval!

promising shampoo & conditioner: the ingredient listings LOOK safe but by no means have been tested by sS to ensure their safety. we don’t recommend that you use these products during the initial clearing process. after you are clear you can introduce them as a single variable in your regimen and see if you break out.

promising hair spray: the ingredient listings LOOK safe but by no means have been tested by sS to ensure their safety. we don’t recommend that you use these products during the initial clearing process. after you are clear you can introduce them as a single variable in your regimen and see if you break out.

*make sure you wash any leave in product from your hair before going to bed! even products that look safe can break you out if transferred to your pillowcase and then your face, night after night.

promising gels, waxes and pomades: the ingredient listings LOOK safe but by no means have been tested by sS to ensure their safety. we don’t recommend that you use these products during the initial clearing process. after you are clear you can introduce them as a single variable in your regimen and see if you break out.

*make sure you wash any leave in product from your hair before going to bed! even products that look safe can break you out if transferred to your pillowcase and then your face, night after night.

promising leave it tx: the ingredient listings LOOK safe but by no means have been tested by sS to ensure their safety. we don’t recommend that you use these products during the initial clearing process. after you are clear you can introduce them as a single variable in your regimen and see if you break out.

*make sure you wash any leave in product from your hair before going to bed! even products that look safe can break you out if transferred to your pillowcase and then your face, night after night.

the ingredient listings LOOK safe but by no means have been tested by sS to ensure their safety. we don’t recommend that you use these products during the initial clearing process. after you are clear you can introduce them as a single variable in your regimen and see if you break out.

the ingredient listings LOOK safe but by no means have been tested by sS to ensure their safety. we don’t recommend that you use these products during the initial clearing process. after you are clear you can introduce them as a single variable in your regimen and see if you break out.

this list is ever growing. we will update it as products are tested to let all of you out there know if things gained the sS stamp of approval or if they may cause breakouts. we value your input and experiences. please let us know if you have tried any of these products in the past or if you introduce them into your life. if you come in for a treatment, mention what you’re using in your hair and we can identify if you are having breakouts around your hairline as a result.

how it works: the dermatologists that created nicadan combined natural vitamins believed to reduce inflammation. nicadan may help to reduce sebum production, block acne irritating iodides, decrease water loss, and increase collagen production and maintenance.

is it safe? this prescription supplement looks safe for most healthy adults although it’s always best to consult your doctor. it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

where to get it: nicadan is a medication that must be prescribed by your doctor. none of the estheticians at sS are doctors and we cannot prescribe or diagnose. if you think that you are a good candidate for this medication make an appointment to talk to your doctor.

we only have one client who has tried nicadan and unfortunately didn’t see any change in their skin. everyone is different and something that works well for one person may have no effect on another. if any of you out there are currently taking nicadan or decide to introduce it, please let us know! we are always looking for new ways to help you achieve and maintain clear skin! you can email us at frontdesk@skinsalvationsf.com.